In 2024, we extended our outreach programme to St George. Storyfest provides regional communities with equitable opportunities to interact with authors and books in a fun, festive atmosphere. Rarely—if ever—do writers festivals come to the outback. We seek to change this by strengthening connection in regional communities, making inspiration accessible to all.
Come along to the opening night of Storyfest South West, this free community event is for the whole family to enjoy! The Prologue Party is a night of festivities to celebrate and a great opportunity to meet some of Australia’s best authors and illustrators!
Enjoy all the fun with games, activities, performers and much more to enjoy in a fairground atmosphere. The festival bookshop will be open, it is a great opportunity for adults and children to browse the bookshelf and find that perfect book.
Stage activated from 4.30pm to 7.00pm - details announced soon
Variety of dinner and beverage options available for purchase.
Andy Geppert vs. Matt Stanton -- who will win the title of best illustrator?
Join top children’s illustrators Andy Geppert and Matt Stanton as they cross canvases before a table of fierce, but fair, young judges. A vibrant competition of skills and creativity, students will steer the artists' illustration and decide who remains standing. Andy Geppert is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator whose heartfelt creations have garnered industry wide recognition. His witty take on the everyday, illustrated in his gorgeous, warm and inviting visual style, will draw you into worlds and stories you won't want to leave. Andy's accolades include the prestigious Crichton Award for Best New Australian Illustrator. Matt Stanton is a bestselling children's author and illustrator who has sold more than one million books in Australia. His middle-grade series Funny Kid debuted as the #1 Australian kids' book and has fans all around the world. He has 20 picture books to his name, including the award-winning This is a Ball series, and over twenty-five novels including the immensely popular graphic novel series, The Odds, Bored and Fluff.
Join the battle for a night of laughter and imagination while tickets remain!
Student ticket price: $40
Reading the Dark: The Power and Purpose of Emotionally Complex Stories for Young People
What happens when we give young readers books that explore the raw, the real, and the difficult? Join celebrated author Lili Wilkinson as she chairs a vital discussion with authors Pip Harry and Liv Lorkin around the importance of emotionally complex stories for children and teens. Together, this panel will explore the concept of “reading the dark” — delving into books that tackle grief, mental health, diversity, climate, trauma, displacement, and other weighty realities facing today’s youth. These are the books that comfort, challenge, and ultimately connect young readers to themselves and the world around them. The panel will unpack the reasons these books are essential, how to encourage young people to engage with them and offer personal insights on how writing and reading the dark has impacted their own lives.
